How to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV)

Introduction to the Canada Visitor Visa The Canada Visitor Visa, officially known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), allows foreign nation...

Introduction to the Canada Visitor Visa

The Canada Visitor Visa, officially known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending conferences, or short-term business activities (without working). It is a multiple-entry visa typically valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each stay is usually up to 6 months, determined by the border officer upon arrival.

Many countries are visa-exempt and only require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for air travel (e.g., citizens of the EU, UK, Australia, Japan). If you're from a visa-required country (e.g., India, China, Philippines, Nigeria), you need a TRV. Even some visa-exempt nationals may need a TRV if traveling by land/sea or for certain purposes.

As of December 2025, the process is primarily online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. Paper applications are possible but slower.

Who Needs a Visitor Visa?

Use the IRCC "Come to Canada" tool (on canada.ca) to check eligibility by answering questions about nationality, purpose, etc. If required, you'll be directed to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must:

• Have a valid passport.
• Be in good health (medical exam if required for longer stays or certain countries).
• Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions.
• Prove ties to your home country (job, family, property, finances) to show you'll leave Canada at the end of your visit.
• Have sufficient funds for your stay (no fixed amount, but bank statements help).
• Intend to leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.
• Not plan to work or study (unless eligible for exemptions).

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Determine if You Need Biometrics Most applicants aged 14-79 from visa-required countries must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Biometrics are valid for 10 years for temporary applications. If you've given them recently for a similar application, you may be exempt. Fee: CAD $85 individual, max $170 family.

2. Create an IRCC Account Sign up on the IRCC secure portal (GCKey or Sign-In Partner).

3. Complete the Online Application

   • Use the IMM 5257 form (Application for Temporary Resident Visa).
   • Answer all questions honestly.
   • Upload required documents (scanned clearly).

4. Gather Supporting Documents Mandatory:

   • Valid passport (scan bio-data page).
   • Digital photo (specifications: 35mm x 45mm, white background).
   • Proof of funds (bank statements last 3-6 months, pay slips).
   • Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations – not mandatory but helpful).
   • Purpose of visit: Invitation letter from Canadian host (with their status proof, address, relationship details), or detailed travel plan.

   Additional if applicable:

   • Letter of employment (explaining leave approval).
   • Property deeds, family ties evidence.
   • Minor children: Consent letter from non-accompanying parent, birth certificate.

   For family visits: Host's proof of income if supporting you.

5. Pay Fees

   • Visitor visa fee: CAD $100 per person.
   • Biometrics fee: CAD $85 (if required).
   • Pay online with credit card.

6. Submit Application After payment, submit online. You'll receive an acknowledgement.

7. Provide Biometrics If required, you'll get a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) within days/weeks. Book appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country (operated by VFS Global in many places). Attend in person: Bring BIL, passport, appointment confirmation. Process takes 10-15 minutes.

8. Application Processing IRCC reviews your application. Processing times vary by country (check IRCC website weekly updates; as of late 2025, often 2-8 weeks for online, longer for paper). You may be asked for additional documents or an interview (rare).

9. Decision

   • Approved: Passport request letter sent. Submit passport to VAC for visa sticker (counterfoil).
   • Refused: Letter explaining reasons (common: insufficient ties, funds, or purpose doubt). You can reapply with stronger evidence.

10. Travel to Canada With approved visa, fly/drive to Canada. At port of entry (POE), CBSA officer decides admission length (usually 6 months). You may need to explain purpose again.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Apply early: At least 3-6 months before travel.
• Be consistent: Answers must match documents.
• Strong ties: Emphasize job, family, assets in home country.
• Funds: Show enough for stay + return (e.g., $1,000-2,000/month guideline, unofficial).
• Invitation letters: Notarized if possible, detailed.
• COVID/health: No restrictions as of 2025, but check.
• Extensions: Apply inside Canada if needed (IMM 5708 form).

Common Reasons for Refusal

• Weak home ties (perceived immigrant intent).
• Insufficient funds.
• Incomplete documents.
• Past overstay or violations.

Always refer to official IRCC website (canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship) for latest forms, fees, and tools. Consult licensed consultants if complex. Success depends on individual circumstances.